Sunday, October 25, 2009

Chinese Shar-Pei are the beauties of rare dogs. They can be so irresistible! Black, blue, or that yellowish color, this Chinese dog is always what you would expect it to be. But the history of the breed is a little more devastating.

Originating in China, the Shar-Pei was originally a farm, guard, and possibly even dog-fighting breed. Overtime, though, Shar-Pei became less popular in China, sadly. And they required reviving. And then, that started to happen, and people who wanted to save the Shar-Pei went to work, and the breed's popularity grew again. But even today, this is a pretty rare breed. So if you see one, you are actually very lucky.

If you had seen a Shar-Pei, you definitely would've probably been surprised by the breed's looks. The most well-known trait of the Shar-Pei would have to be the coat, which is very soft and fluffy. You see, the words "Shar-Pei," mean "Sand Skin." And that is right. Not only is the coat fluffy, but wrinkly. VERY wrinkly. The wrinkles help to keep the Chinese Shar-Pei's internal organs safe when they would possibly dog fight. So if there's a dog fight with the Shar-Pei, not much damage would probably be easily inflicted to the Shar-Pei! Another trait the Shar-Pei is well-known for is his reputation. Shar-Pei may be irresistible by looks, but these are very territorial breeds, so they make great guarders. Remember because of this, you should tread with caution when first meeting a Shar-Pei. That brings us to the considerations for the Shar-Pei.

This typically independent breed can be stubborn, and therefore require experienced dog owners. The breed just needs a lot of work. Vet bills with the Shar-Pei can be high with the Shar-Pei. The structure of the breed means they have many health issues. But grooming is another concern. The wrinkles must be cleaned thoroughly, and you could bathe them regularly to help. But actually, you don't need to do much besides that. The breed fairs best with adults, but children below the age of 8 should be out of the question. So this is a one-man dog. But if you are the right fit for a Shar-Pei, you may never regret the adoption of a Shar-Pei. Shar-Pei RULE!!!

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are some long pooches. Just like the Dachshund and the Basset Hound, this dog's body stretches out a pretty long way. If there had to be some foods in the dog world, Pembroke Welsh Corgis would have to be the sausage!

In fact, the name of the home town for this sausage is as long as its body! It's called "Pembrokeshire," and that is how the breed's history started. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi would herd cattle and sheep, nipping at their ankles to guide them to the right animal pen.

And for a placid-looking small dog, you'd never think that THIS pooch can do such an amazing job. But guess again! The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is so good, that like the Sheltie and Old English Sheepdog, they have a habit of sometimes herding different objects. It can be funny with clothes and dog toys, but then, Pembroke Welsh Corgis start to herd children and toddlers, so you must train them out this habit. Some reasons these dogs are always judged and make people think they can't herd at all, are the short legs, giving the Welsh Corgi a sort of awkward gait at first, but it keeps their muzzles closer to the ankles of cattle, so it can nip them, part of the process of herding cattle. Pembroke Welsh Corgis also have a lack of a tail, some have no tails at all. Breeders decided they weren't a good idea because cows or sheep may accidentally step on the tail, if it was longer, by mistake, maybe leading to some damage. One last characteristic is the pair of ears on the Corgi. They are bat-like, and partially tilted and they stay alert so the Pembroke Welsh Corgi can warn the farmer in case a coyote tries to eat some livestock.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis, different Corgi breeds, are a little different from Pembrokes. They have different eyes, longer tails, and taller heights. Plus, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi isn't as popular as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

But Cardigan or Pembroke, both are still cool dogs. Pembrokes, however, are the main subject, so let's go back onto them. They are healthy herders, living maybe up to 15 years! But they require daily exercise, and are happiest at the farm. However, they actually don't care where they do live. But like I said: Wherever you keep them, give them daily exercise, for these dogs are not placid! Grooming requirements are little, unlike the exercise requirements. So on the bright side, grooming bills are low. Now, if you leave them with older children or adults, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are fine, but you shouldn't have toddlers in your household. They may be herded, and that is too much for a toddler. But too much affection, however, is never a such thing, and you'll find it out if you get a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. They are the best!

Friday, October 23, 2009

Rottweilers are the dogs you think of as mean and assertive guard dogs. In fact, they are even illegal in some areas. In fact these dogs kill people, sometimes. But luckily, these attacks are very unlikely, with a Rottweiler, anyways. But Pit Bulls are a different story, but we don't have to know about THAT, anyways.

These dogs originated in Germany as multi-purpose working dogs, where they would pull carts, and herd a LOT! But now these dogs may have other important things to do, like guarding.

These dogs are commonly guarders, and when people first see them, they may be afraid of Rotties. But those people just probably don't know the Rottweiler. They can be gentle giants if trained properly! Some owners may tell you: "There's nothing like the Rottweiler!" And they're onto something. These dogs are various in many ways. Some people neglect Rottweilers because of their cruel reputations, but then, it only turns out that person who's neglecting the dog is the real cruel one. Even if the dog can be mean, it's usually at a good time. Like when an intruder breaks in or if they see a bone just waiting to be chewed on! And anyways, you can't say you hate someone just by looking at them. One time, I looked at a Rottweiler walking with his owner, and I was scared, thinking it was gonna hurt me, but it jumped on me, and started to wag his tail. He was really loyal, actually. Anyways, this is what I mean when I say Rottweilers aren't always mean, vicious pooches. They even protect people. They do make good guard dogs, however, at necessary times.

They have the strongest jaws and massive skulls to produce throbbing bites. And a bite like that is a good weapon against bandits. Also, their large sizes give Rottweilers more power to take down an intruder, and pin him down, and wait at the right time to release the intruder, like if they hear police coming. But it isn't something police dogs are involved in, because Rottweilers usually aren't the right type of police dogs. Leave the caper-solving to the German Shepherd!

Speaking of that you could probably use a guard dog now. If so, consider the following, first. Like health bills. These pooches can be susceptible to skeletal issues, and too many girths can cause this. And grooming bills, on the other hand, would be low, but you may need fur removing tools, just in case your Rottweiler encounters shedding season! If you train a Rottweiler properly at YOUNG AGE and socialize them with children at PUPPY HOOD, then it shouldn't hurt to put Rottweilers and children in the same families. But if your Rottweiler is a loaded gun, then children would be a huge catastrophe with the breed, so experienced owners are advised. But even if they seem aggressive at first, remember, these dogs could be the love-pooch of tomorrow! Because these dogs are everything but against loyalty, and you'll form a huge bond with a Rottweiler if you don't judge him by his reputation! " :-)"

Remember to visit www.best-of-lucy.blogspot.com and www.best-of-lucy-2.blogspot.com, too, for more doggie-fun!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Airedales- Trustworthy, tremendous, terrific terriers that thrive on their owners' attention! Airedales, in case you didn't know, are the largest terriers! They can weigh over 55 pounds! That's heavy for a terrier. But this means the bigger the dog, the bigger the soul, and the Airedale's is soft and sweet. They love their owners, as long as their owners love them. But while these dogs look nice, they have a potential to sometimes, but not very often, guard dogs! So, you the Airedale seems versatile, huh?

But don't worry, the breed's history is pretty straight out. Here's how it happened: Breeders bred a wide assortment of terriers in England. When the final mating was proved successful, Airedales were vermin hunters. They would track down rabbits, badgers, foxes, and even otters! And to this very day, Airedales can still be used as hunting terriers.

They have many cool traits to help them with this. Like powerful speed, for running after vermin. Or that large size to give it more power on larger game. Also, their athletic nature means that the breed is always energetic, just look any typical terrier. But a large bundle of energy means that destruction may occur unless the energy bundle is undone. And if I were you, it'd be done outdoors.

So let them out every day for at least 1 hour or more. For hardiness, the breed is pretty substantial, but sometimes, they let an injury go and ignore it, so by the time it is visible, wounds are likely severe, and bloat, cancer, and displasia. But overall, Airedales live at least 10 years or longer. Airedales have moderately short coats, and must be hand-stripped twice a year, but a lot more times if your Airedale is used for show. And for families, train the Airedale to be nice with kids, and ensure that any kids you have know how to properly be like with an Airedale. So older children and adults are the best owners for this terrier breed. And if you form a strong enough bond between you and an Airedale, your life will be draped the sweet feeling of terrier affection!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

A peppy, ancient, tremendous toy dog, Affenpinschers are never mistaken for any other breed. That cute little moustache and typical black coloration, distincts the Affenpinscher instantly. In fact, they are one of the oldest breeds, according to AKC!

Translated in German as "Monkey Terrier," these cute little companions originated as ratters, and were bred as companions and ratters. And even though the breed is native to Germany, it has flourished to many foreign people's hearts! In fact, mistresses cherished them!

Now, these dogs are commonly distinct as black dogs. However, they can come in red, tan, grey, silver, belge, and even black and tan! The Affenpinscher has a wiry-textured coat that comes up to its head to form the large, schnauzer-like moustache. It's another trait that makes this pinscher so amazingly adorable. The last characteristic is the Affenpinscher's temperament. They love people, and are cheery around foes, so they may be quite persistent and optimistic, and can sometimes run up to a Pit Bull, and think it can "do anything." And you have to train them out of that habit, unless you want your pooch to know he's not a king the hard way.

This dog can be hardy, but has some, not many, but some health problems, like dislocation of the kneecap, common problems in small breeds. But all in all, the Affenpinscher lives for a pretty long time. Brushing is required, because the coat can mat easily due to the wiry coat. But besides that, the Affenpinscher is low maintenance, too. While the Affenpinscher loves to socialize, they don't do well with children, unless they are socialized with the Affenpinscher at puppy hood.

But if that work is accomplished, then this dog is a perfect family and companion for life, or the BPF4L! Best Pinscher Friends 4 life! Overall, these pooches can be the best dog you can rely on for loyalty, companionship, and lots of licking!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

This is the Weimaraner. The grey ghost, the dog with the intelligence of people, whatever you call it, the Weimaraner, A.K.A, the "Weim," is still the one of the most amazing vermin hunters.

They originated in Germany, about 200 years ago, as large game hunters. Things became great with the breed, but when large vermin weren't a huge catastrophe anymore, the Weim became less popular, but then, the solution, birds, came up. Birds were the new trouble of vermin world, and the Weimaraner started to become a multi-purpose vermin hunter! Today, hunting is still the real deal for Weimaraners. And so is exercise.

These dogs are very active, so they can't adjust to suburban or civilized conditions. You must train them to be trusted out of a dog cage whenever you can't watch after the dog, because Weimaraners can't go in the kennel. They don't like it, and if this is not something you can do, don't even think about getting a Weimaraner!

Weimaraners can be "accidentally independent." Here's what I mean. The breed has a short, silvery coat that can blend in with dead prairie grass, making the dog unable to be seen in plain sight. And the dog may not even know he's camouflaged, unless he hears you call for him. So if you ever find out you're Weimaraner is lost, call for him, because he may be camouflaged. This happens a lot to owners, so the Weimaraner got the nickname "Grey Ghost." The breed has a large brain, and is highly intelligent, and an IQ probably greater than the average dog's IQ! So these dogs may outsmart you in ways you would be reluctant to find out about, so experienced owners are recommended.

The short coat of the breed means very, very minimal grooming. So the grooming fees should be minimal, if you compare it to a Shih-Tzus! You may not have a local groomer, though, because if you own a Weimaraner, you must live in the rural world. And in rural environments, places like grooming salons may be pretty far away, obviously. The breed lives an average life span for a dog of 8-12 years, about. And, Weimaraners do best with older families, but if socialized and trained correctly at puppy hood, children ages 5 and older are allowed. But if you got what it takes, you may the next person to get a loyal, loving Weimaraner!

Monday, October 19, 2009

Ka-Pow! Ice breaks open as a Chesapeake Bay Retriever drops and crushes through ice, retrieving a water vermin. So what is this about water retrieving and vermin? Why the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, of course! These dogs were literally made for retrieving, water retrieving, that is. These pooches are about the best water-retrievin' kanines there are out there!

The history of these water hunters began when Newfoundlands and water retrievers were supposed to be transferred and shipped to a different country. But the ship had an accident, leaving the dogs cast away! Then, the dogs started breeding. Then, when people discovered the results of these deserted doggies' matings, they took the puppies, and started adding a few final touches to what is now what we know is the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. And it all took place at where you'd most expect it- the Chesapeake Bay. But the mating upgrades I told you about happened in the U.S.A.

Bred with several qualities to help it hunt water vermin, this is the best water retriever out there! One characteristic includes the very soft-textured and weather-resistant coat. Sort of bear like, partially curly, and 100% natural, basically. The colors that the breed comes in are brown, sedge, and a apricot-like color that mimics dead grass. The color of that is- well, Deadgrass! These colors should never be mixed, and only can only be solid.

The breed has a thick tail to help it swim faster while retrieving vermin. They also have a strong breast area to help crush through ice while hunting in colder waters, and avoid the impact. And the last trait of this retrieving hunting hero, is his muscle assortments. The muscles on the breed are strong, and very powerful, and if you look at them, the limb muscles are powerful enough to leap out, and let the Chesapeake Bay Retriever jump further out into lakes. This helps the retriever when in hot pursuit of a water vermin, and to catch up, that jumping power gives the dog a speed boost. So that can be a huge Chesapeake Bay Retriever advantage.

So, you may be inspired by this pooch, but don't just adopt one right away. Get your training mind set up, because the breed is intelligent, but can be surprisingly independent. So experienced dog owners are required. But not much grooming. Just use a brush every so often, and you're good to go. Susceptible to bloat, displacia, and cancer maybe, but when properly cared for, this dog has very few health problems. This breed is recommended with mature families, and just adults, and if socialized at puppy hood, older children. But the age minimum ranges from children 7-9 years old. Toddlers are out of the list only because the Chesapeake Bay Retriever may hurt or dislike them.

But overall, if you have what it takes, such as experience and smarts, and a rural environment, Chesapeake Bay Retriever could be an addition to your amazing family!

What dog is white or cream from head to paw? Is one of the highest maintenance breeds? And one of the few breeds possibly develop at Mediterranean sea? The Bichon Frise'! These lap dogs are the quit essential companion dog! They're loyal and loving, with affection constantly evaporating from its heart and being as if devoted toward its owner! Yep, that's the Bichon's reputation.

These dogs' histories, however, are much more different. Like I said, they developed at the Mediterranean sea. It developed by water dogs, possibly water spaniels. Then, with more breeding, the Bichon was born! Four main traits make the Bichon an amazing companion.

It has a white coloration. In the breed standard, the only qualified colorations are white or cream. But apricot patches near the ears or body. The second distinctive characteristic is the coat. It has a plush and soft texture, and two layers. The undercoat is lush and short. The coat never stops growing. It's bittersweet, though, because while this means no shedding, the coat keeps growing, and needs TONS of attention to cause the prevention of matting and bad condition of the coat. Also, if a Bichon isn't groomed with a puppy cut, they should a hood of fur around their head, as you can see in see in the image above. But the most amazing part of the breed is its soul. It provides tons of companionship, and gives the breed a affectionate and soft-hearted personality. No wonder the breed is popular.

For owners who possess the Bichon, this is what they have to look out for. So if you want this breed, consider the grooming bills. These dogs need tons of care, and need to be groomed once or twice, maybe even 3 times a week! But then, you can always shave the dog and give it a puppy cut, but then it wouldn't be able to used for show. Health is another minor but important concern. The breed may get too hot with its double-layered coat, but this isn't a huge issue in the breed. So overall, they have a long life span. Bichons do well with adult families, and enjoy placid lives, and children are too boisterous and loud for the Bichon Frise'.

But if you are the right owner for this affectionate pooch, you'll never regret adopting one if you choose to. And if you get one, you'll always feel loved by- by a best friend for life!

Sunday, October 18, 2009

The Chinese Crested is a regal sort of breed. If you think that a dog being hairless doesn't qualify, guess again! They can be sort of graceful. Just look at the picture of this Chinese Crested. And not all of them lack hair. There are two varieties, you see. There's hairless and powder puff.

Hairless ones have virtually, like the Xoloitzincini, Peruvian Inca Orchid, and a regular dog that's been shaved, hairless! But powder puffs were created when the breed's lack of hair was found out to not be controversial in the breed. The puppies during the breed history being bred sometimes were born with hair. That's how the Powder puffs were born. Powder puffs have double-layered, straightened coats. They are absolutely amazing and graceful-looking when they walk. Sometimes, you can't even tell a powder puff Chinese Crested is actually a real Chinese Crested. This is because when people think of Cresteds, they think of hairless dogs.

Hairless Chinese Cresteds are the way the breed got its name. Cresteds are named for the wad of fur that grow on their heads, and to the public, those tufts of fur sort of looked like crests! So, the breed was dubbed the "Chinese Crested."

Chinese Cresteds may not have originated in China, but China may have been the place the breed was upgraded and bred better at. We're not sure, however, about the breed's real history. But even today, these dogs are still the same- All calabunga and cravable!

They need sunscreen in hot climates, but they need winter gear for harsher, frigid weather, so the breed isn't the most durable. Hairless Cresteds are susceptible to Skin problems, dehydrating, knee cap issues, and heart problems. And with mature families, these dogs are great, but if toddlers are part of the situation, that isn't gonna work out. Children may mistreat the Chinese Crested. It's a very fragile creature, and can be sensitive when timid, which they can be around rambunctious children. But if you can suit the dogs needs, then they may be the best friend you've ever had! And maybe even literally!

Saturday, October 17, 2009

All Americans who are proud of their country, Boston terriers were made for America! The United States is the Boston Terrier's home country, and the place where his history thrived. The nickname of the breed is the "American Gentleman" because of his appearance, which is described in the breed standard as short-haired, flat faced, and compact. And a trait that makes them look fancy is their coloration patterns, that make it look like the Boston Terrier is wearing a fancy black tuxedo or suit.

But these can sometimes more clownish than regal. They may come around and run and romp with you. It may start to go crazy, but they don't bark as much, typically only if they see something. But if you think this is all fun and games so far, check out his history.

In the capital of Massachusetts, Boston, a White English Terrier, named Kate, and a Bulldog, named Judge. The mix resulted in a fighting dog! But now that it has been bred down to a loyal acquaintance pooch, the Boston Terrier is one of the most popular breeds in America.

Another popular breed, the French Bulldog, is sometimes mistaken for a Boston Terrier. You can usually tell them apart by two ways: size and coloration. Boston Terriers are slightly larger than Frenchies. Frenchies are, well, slightly SMALLER than Bostons. Also, about coloration, Bostons are usually Brindle, Black, or seal with white markings and patterns. Frenchies come in a wider variety of colors. So if you study the two apart for a good amount of time, you pretty much distinct them apart.

Boston Terriers are like some other breeds, Brachycephalic. So they have traits like flat faces, bulgy eyes, and large heads. Bostons have bat-like ears, wrinkled faces, and short tails. If you want a Boston, be considerate.

They can shed a lot occasionally, so brush off loose fur. Ear cleaning and nail clipping is efficient but is required every so often. The breed has some problems with health, like proptosis, respiratory issues, skin, eye, and kneecap problems. But these companions sure know how to make the years go on fast! You'll never feel lonely while accompanied by the Boston terrier! So that's why you'd better find one fast if you're considering adopting one, because they are always selling out due to their loyalty!

Disclaimer

About Me

I'm Lucy, a Cockapoo. A Cockapoo is a mix of the Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. I live with 4 Cats named Madison, Mojo, Flanders, and Mocha. I also live with two geckoes named Phoenix and Sahara, and a hamster named Chester. I hate Ear Infection Medicine. I like going on long walks and I'm happy to have an amazing home.

Rare Breeds: Corded Poodle

Poodles are very popular dog breeds, but there is a rare variety of the poodle with a "corded" coat. These dreadlocks are really beautiful, and are on other dog breeds such as the Komondor, Puli, Bergamasco, and the Spanish Water Dog. There are only a handful of them left, so you'll be lucky if you can find one today. The Corded is just as beautiful as it is rare.

The World's Dogs

Lucy has created a blog that depicts information about different dog breeds in each post. Hope you all like it!

Followers

The Dog Family: Fennec Fox

Foxes are part of the dog family. Known for their big ears, Fennec Foxes are the smallest, most social fox ever known. Unless it is outlawed to, you can purchase and domesticate a Fennec Fox!

Amazing Dog Records

-Greyhounds are the world's fastest breed at top speeds of 35-40 miles per hour, (see breed post for more info.)

-The first dog to ever be cloned is an Afghan Hound named Buddy.

-Labs are the most popular breed according to AKC, while Yorkies are the most popular small dog.

-Dachshunds are the most celebrated dog breed, as they are involved in several traditions.

-Border Collies are smarter than any other dog breed, and they are the most intelligent dog breed.

-Airedales are the largest terriers, weighing 50-60 pounds!

-A Border Collie named Sweet Pea has balanced a full glass of water on her snout while walking up and down 4-5 staircases. That is actually a record!

-The fastest spaniel is the English Springer Spaniel, who can run very fast due to a special gait.

Important Reminder:

Dogs in general may vary from the post information, so do your work if you consider adapting a dog. Thanks for understanding.

Top 10 Dog Breeds Lists:

This will show what the top 10 smartest, most affectionate, best guarding, most popular dogs. The dog at the top is the best on the list. 10 is not the top tenth. Just remember: this isn't a countdown.Top 10 Smartest dogs:1. Border Collie
2. Poodle
3. German Shepherd
4. Golden Retriever
5. Doberman Pinscher
6. Sheltie
7. Labrador Retriever
8. Papillon
9. Rottweiler
10. Australian Cattle Dog

Unique Dog Sports

If you're a human, and you're bored, you might decide to do a sport that you like, such as basketball or soccer or golf. But if you're a dog, you may have different options. Here are some of them:

-Due to the large amount of speed that they possess, there is a sport customized just for the Greyhound breed. It's the same thing as sprinting races, but instead of people, it's greyhounds. But this sport is illegal in some places. These places' goverments fear that greyhounds may accidently colide together, hurting each other badly. But where the sport is legal, certain Greyhounds do their best efforts to get the gold!

-One sport that is no longer legal is dog fighting, a sport where 2 dogs try to bring each other down. Some breeds such as Shar Pei and Tosas were bred to be good at this sport. It is very bloody, and therefore, currently banned today.

-If you're a Bulldog, then Bull Baiting would've been a great sport to do. It's when a Bulldog tries to fight a bull. Bulldogs were bred to do this, so they are less likely to get severely wounded. But for safety reasons, bull baiting is outlawed today just like dog fighting is.

-One sport that is legal everywhere, even today, that is open for all breeds is the agility sport. It's when dogs try to run through a special agility course. There, they'll do things like going through tunnels, jumping through hoops and threading between thread sticks. Many dogs will do it, and they'll be timed. The dog with the quickest time wins.

Dog sports may be bloody, violent, speedy, and "obstacle course-ish," but think of it as a blessing. If you have to play a sport you just don't wanna play, be thankful you don't have to fight someone else, or bring down a male cow, or have to go through tunnels, or race against your own kind, and possibly get injured. Well, at least the dogs have advantages, too, so they'll probably be thankful that they don't have to punch each other in boxing. (No offense, Boxers.)